Tesla starts production of the Model 3 Mid Range

First VINs (Vehicle Identification Numbers) have started to come in for the Model 3 Mid Range aka Model 3 MR. VINs are assigned to cars after the car enters production. First deliveries are expected to start next week. The Model 3 Mid Range was nicknamed ‘Lemur’ after Elon’s tweet a couple of weeks ago when he unexpectedly announced this new trim level in a cryptic way.

Based on my latest calculation, I estimate that the Model 3 MR battery pack has 3,648 cells compared to 4,416 for LR and 2,976 for SR. Tesla seems to slightly under-advertise Model 3 battery capacities.

Update (6 Dec 2018): My calculation has changed. See the new version here.

In terms of gross margins, after the latest price adjustments, the Model 3 MR has only 1.8% worse gross margins than the LR. Here are the details of my calculation:

If the 3,648 cell count estimate is accurate, the range of the Model 3 MR with the 18″ wheels and aero covers is expected to be more than the 2014 Model S 85 and 2018 Model S 75D and same as the 2016 Model S 90D. Interestingly, it is also more than the Model 3 LR AWD with 19″ wheels or the Model 3 Performance with 20″ wheels.

Update (30 Nov 2018): This range table is outdated. You can find the latest version here.

Update (30 Nov 2018): This range table is outdated. You can find the latest version here.